Seattle Injury Lawyers Answer Catastrophic Injury FAQs
Catastrophic injuries are those that leave victims coping with lifelong or permanent disabilities. These types of injuries prevent people from enjoying a quality life or even from earning a livelihood. The lives of victims and their family members are turned upside down. If such devastating injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, injured victims can seek compensation.
People who suffer catastrophic injuries can seek a higher compensation compared to someone who suffered a minor injury they can recover from easily.
Here are a few common questions and answers to help you understand your legal options if you have suffered a catastrophic injury.
To discuss your case further, don’t hesitate to contact a Washington personal injury lawyer at Pendergast Law at 888-539-9211.
What is a catastrophic injury?
There are many types of serious injuries that aren’t considered catastrophic. A catastrophic injury has long-term or permanent consequences that affect the victim’s ability to work and live normally. Some victims who suffer catastrophic injuries may need round-the-clock nursing care. While most people are able to live independently, many need permanent care, support and supervision. They may need costly medical devices and rehabilitative treatment.
What are some examples of catastrophic injuries?
A catastrophic injury is one that results in permanent disabilities. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Anoxic brain injury
- Hypoxic-Ischemic injury
- Severe burn injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord damage, including paralysis
- Amputation
How are catastrophic injuries different from other injury claims?
Because of the serious nature of catastrophic injuries, they often lead to more complicated legal battles and larger settlements or verdicts. Compensation for a catastrophic injury cases should include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Expert medical, care planning, and forensic economic testimony is often used to support the claim and help the injured person plan for the future. Because of the large monetary care needs, the amount offered in settlement should be much greater when the injuries suffered are catastrophic.
Who is liable for the damages?
The person or party responsible for a catastrophic injury can be held accountable for the victim’s losses. For example, careless drivers can face liability for the injuries they cause while distracted, impaired or speeding. Property owners can be held accountable for the catastrophic injuries that happen on their premises. Product manufacturers can be held financially responsible for the injuries their defective products cause.
What if the victim shares responsibility?
Many serious injury cases aren’t cut and dry. Car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents and many other serious accidents can result from shared negligence. In these types of cases, liability for the damages suffered by the victim may be reduced relative to the cause of the accident. When someone’s negligence contributes to the cause of the accident, they may be responsible for a comparative liability for a percentage of the fault or damages. Simply put, corporations, hospitals, or other negligent entities may be responsible for damages when they are not 100% at fault.
The experienced Seattle catastrophic injury lawyers at Pendergast Law will remain on your side, fight for your rights, and ensure that your best interests get protected. We understand the complex challenges faced by victims and their families. Let us help.
Call us at 888-539-9211 for more information about pursuing your legal rights.